Book Review: The Viscount Who Loved Me (Bridgerton #2) by Julia Quinn

“Suddenly it was too hard to be in his presence, too painful to know that he would belong to someone else.”

― Julia Quinn, The Viscount Who Loved Me

Julia Quinn's 2000 historical romance novel The Viscount Who Loved Me was initially published by Avon. The eldest Bridgerton brother, Anthony, Viscount Bridgerton, is the focus of the second book in Quinn's Bridgerton series, which is set in Regency England. It is the top-ranked New York Times Best Seller.

Synopsis from Goodreads...

 1814 promises to be another eventful season, but not, this author believes, for Anthony Bridgerton, London's most elusive bachelor, who has shown no indication that he plans to marry. And in truth, why should he? When it comes to playing the consummate rake, nobody does it better...

—Lady Whistledown's Society Papers, April 1814

But this time, the gossip columnists have it wrong. Anthony Bridgerton hasn't just decided to marry—he's even chosen a wife! The only obstacle is his intended's older sister, Kate Sheffield—the most meddlesome woman ever to grace a London ballroom. The spirited schemer is driving Anthony mad with her determination to stop the betrothal, but when he closes his eyes at night, Kate is the woman haunting his increasingly erotic dreams...

Contrary to popular belief, Kate is quite sure that reformed rakes do not make the best husbands—and Anthony Bridgerton is the most wicked rogue of them all. Kate is determined to protect her sister—but she fears her own heart is vulnerable. And when Anthony's lips touch hers, she's suddenly afraid she might not be able to resist the reprehensible rake herself...

My reaction to this novel...

I've said it before and I'll say it again: I'm not a fan of romance novels, but I do try to read one every once in a while. I'm not sure why I opted to read this novel after being disappointed by the first book, but I did, and I didn't realize I'd finished it in two days. Yes, in only two days, which seemed unusual because I was curious about its backstory.

The narrative centred around Anthony Bridgerton, the eldest Bridgerton, and his decision to marry and choose his bride. I burst out laughing at numerous moments. I simply can't stop laughing. I could feel the emotions and chemistry between the two main characters and imagined how it would be depicted in the series. Despite the fact that it is already available on Netflix, I have not been able to see it or read or hear any of the reviews. But when it comes to this book, I'm beyond thrilled. I just can't get enough of it.

In contrast to the previous book, I felt a wide range of emotions here, notably the responsibilities of an eldest son from one of London's most renowned families. I noticed his burden and difficulties in controlling his emotions. The story was hilarious and romantic at the same time. I couldn't keep from giggling. I was dubious at first because the first novel was a touch dull, but this one had me in stitches.

I'm eagerly anticipating the next installment. I definitely recommend it to everyone who likes reading romance novels.

My Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐(4/5)

“Love's about finding the one person who makes your heart complete. Who makes you a better person than you ever dreamed you could be. Its about looking in the eyes of your wife and knowing all the way to your bones that she's simply the best person you've ever known.”

This quote was emphasized because it is so heartfelt. It's about how love can complete and transform a person's life. It is also true that discovering genuine love is difficult, but once found, it is well worth the wait. 

“But the truth was that some things simply hurt too much. And there were some wounds that didn’t heal, not even in ten years.”

I believe that it is really difficult to repair an emotional wound. But if you maintain your faith, love, and hope, you'll discover that one day you wake up feeling fine and believing that all that happened before was just a horrible dream that will ultimately be forgotten in favor of days filled with dreams and hopes.